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Running Head: MY CONTINUING STORY SYNTHESIS PAPER

My Continuing Story Seattle University Dr. Schmitz EDUC 515 Kelly Alvarado

Synthesis Paper:

MY CONTINUING STORY

My Continuing Story Synthesis Paper Introduction

In Multicultural Perspectives, I have been challenged to be introspective about how my identities affect the way I view others and myself. The readings have made me think about nonsalient identities I have often times not examined such as gender, sexual orientation and religion. Finding the space in class, journal assignments and conversations with classmates allowed me to push my learning boundaries in the identities I am most comfortable with as a person. As I take these lessons into my profession, I plan to remember the power and privileges I carry when I walk into a room and how those influence my work. Micro Cultures Impact Being mindful of privileges that I hold has been an interesting experience regarding race and ethnicity. During the week five discussions on the Social Construction of Race, I was faced with reflecting on how my ethnicity and race, according to social constructs, are very different. One impactful learning experience was realizing the power I hold is phenotypically presenting white (Kottak & Kozaitis, 2012, p. 139). Previous to this class, my identity in the classroom had Illusion, I was able to fully separate my race and realized I carry a power and privilege of appearing white. A question I began to ask myself was, how has the ability to present white influenced the way I connect with other Latinos? Having the opportunity to reflect on the experience provided me a moment of realization in regards to the reasons I, at times, have not felt connected with Latinos on the West Coast. The socialization process I experienced as a child pushed me towards white ideals and standards. I had to identify with specific groups, traditionally Puerto

been strongly tied to my ethnicity as a Hispanic. After viewing the video, Race: The Power of an

MY CONTINUING STORY

Rican, in order to be successful. The innate human capacity to create and transmit traditions, beliefs, and symbols that govern behavior had been an area that I have not reflected on wholly until this experience (Kottak et al., 2012, p. 5). Naming the tensions and the areas of synergy regarding my ethnic and racial identities provided deep learning regarding my anti-racist multicultural perspective. Professional Practice A connection I made between course concepts and my own professional practice has been regarding how to have conversations of race within my own ethnic group. From dissecting the intersection of my racial and ethnic identities, a question I began to ask myself was, how can I use this privilege to begin conversations with Latino students regarding their own biases against other Latino students who do not look the same as them? My graduate research is regarding the impact of cultural clubs on Latino identity development at predominantly white Jesuit institutions. When I have had conversations with Latino students regarding their experiences at Seattle University, they have shared how they do not see many Latinos on campus. These students often times come from a large Mexican community where they have

been socialized to equate being Mexican with being Latino. Asking the students to illustrate what being Latino looks like to them and to question the intersections of race and identity has been an exercise of growth. We all want to say we are racist, but The truth hurts, sometimes. More often, it liberates (Kottak et al., 2012, p. 297).

Conclusion

Looking into the future, I see myself continuing to work on strengthening the understanding of my personal identities and how that story can impact others. Working with students, educational systems and policy, I will consciously think about the spectrum of action

MY CONTINUING STORY

when working for social justice. Being in this class has helped me expand on my own understanding and hope to move toward initiating and preventing injustice through education. Being a role model for Latino students as well and making sure my voice is at the decision making table are two commitments I make as a student affairs professional.

MY CONTINUING STORY

References

Kottak, C. K., & Kozaitis, K. A. (2012). On being different: diversity and multiculturalism in the North American mainstream. (4th Ed.) Boston: McGraw-Hill.

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